OUR VIEW: Homelessness is a local humanitarian crisis

Discard the stereotypical image of a middle-aged man with a substance abuse problem when you think about homelessness. All the preconceived notions you may have are probably not an accurate reflection of the problem.

The Herald News, Fall River, MA

Writer

Posted Nov. 9, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Nov 9, 2013 at 9:23 AM

Posted Nov. 9, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Nov 9, 2013 at 9:23 AM

» Social News

Discard the stereotypical image of a middle-aged man with a substance abuse problem when you think about homelessness. All the preconceived notions you may have are probably not an accurate reflection of the problem.

With a tough economy that has been very slow to rebound, few jobs and increasing costs of living, combined with some cuts to federal government assistance programs, more local residents are finding themselves without a permanent home.

A heartbreaking statistic to consider: The average age of a homeless person today is 8 years old, according to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless.

It’s not just people living on the streets or in the woods in cardboard boxes or tents — though that does represent some of the homeless population to keep in mind as the temperatures drop and outdoor living situations can become deadly. Some homeless people are able to “couch surf” with friends or relatives. But these are hardly ideal situations.

The state’s program to provide housing in motels and hotels as a last resort has been expanding this year as shelters and affordable subsidized housing become scarce. But it’s expensive, with an average cost of $80 per night, or $2,400 per month, and an average stay of seven months.

That’s many times higher than the average cost of renting an apartment that offers kitchen facilities and more comfort than a cramped motel room.

An added problem this year is the indiscriminate sequester cuts, forcing even more homeless families into the motel emergency shelter program rather than Section 8 housing.

It’s also shifting transportation and educational costs to school districts that cannot be accurately budgeted. That’s part of the problem with a centralized approach to addressing homelessness: It moves people and families around the state rather than keeping them in their own communities.

Given the costs and logistical problems in finding shelter, the state is focusing its efforts on preventing homelessness in the first place. The goal is to divert the enormously high cost of shelters into affordable housing programs that are far more ideal.

Homelessness has become too great for grassroots organizations and volunteers to address alone, but charity begins at home. Community-based solutions continue to be the first line of defense to help families who find themselves without a stable roof over their heads.

As Rene Brum, of the Fall River Family Center, said, “This issue needs immediate attention from all members of our government, clergy, and society in general.” Many hands, heads and hearts are needed to address this growing humanitarian crisis plaguing communities large and small.